Get surface area of a mesh?
Enable the '3D Print Toolbox' addon.


2.79

Open the '3D Printing' tab in 3D view &gt; Tool shelf.
Under statistics, press the Area button. (there's also option for volume and other checks for geometry).


2.8+
The Addons shelf has been moved on the right of the screen. Press N in the 3D Viewport or click the arrow in the top right of the area to expand it.